Tuesday 2nd April
Thanks to Richard Alex, Neil Bennett, John Carruthers, Tony Cluxton, Kim Dawson, Ian Ford, Ian Harkiss, Alan MacAskill, Ross Macleod, Bob McMillan, Gus Routledge, skye-birds.com
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 49 at Rosemarkie burn mouth
Canada Goose - 4 at Ardmore, Waternish on Skye plus 30 Golden Plover
Glaucous Gull - 1 (1st winter) at head of Loch Portree
Kumlien's Gull - 1 adult still Helmsdale harbour
Razorbill - 3 at Golspie, 1 at Dunrobin
Gadwall - 1 at Alturlie
Ring-necked Duck - 1 drake still at Acharacle on Loch Shiel (amongst Tufted Ducks)
Long-tailed Duck - c60 at Golspie with 190+ at Dunrobin, plus 21 Common Scoter and 5 Goldeneye
Scaup - 5 at Dingwall estuary plus 2 Pintail
Greenshank - 1 at Skelbo, 9 at Connage plus c240 Bar-tailed Godwit
Swallow - 1 at Loch Kinellan, Strathpeffer and 1 over Inverness
Waxwing - 8 at Dell of Inshes, Inverness
Blackcap - 1 (singing male) at Dulnain Bridge
Willow Warbler - 1 at Mellon Charles
Thanks to Richard Alex, Neil Bennett, John Carruthers, Tony Cluxton, Kim Dawson, Ian Ford, Ian Harkiss, Alan MacAskill, Ross Macleod, Bob McMillan, Gus Routledge, skye-birds.com
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 49 at Rosemarkie burn mouth
Canada Goose - 4 at Ardmore, Waternish on Skye plus 30 Golden Plover
Glaucous Gull - 1 (1st winter) at head of Loch Portree
Kumlien's Gull - 1 adult still Helmsdale harbour
Razorbill - 3 at Golspie, 1 at Dunrobin
Gadwall - 1 at Alturlie
Ring-necked Duck - 1 drake still at Acharacle on Loch Shiel (amongst Tufted Ducks)
Long-tailed Duck - c60 at Golspie with 190+ at Dunrobin, plus 21 Common Scoter and 5 Goldeneye
Scaup - 5 at Dingwall estuary plus 2 Pintail
Greenshank - 1 at Skelbo, 9 at Connage plus c240 Bar-tailed Godwit
Swallow - 1 at Loch Kinellan, Strathpeffer and 1 over Inverness
Waxwing - 8 at Dell of Inshes, Inverness
Blackcap - 1 (singing male) at Dulnain Bridge
Willow Warbler - 1 at Mellon Charles
Wednesday 3rd April
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Alan Kennedy, Alan MacAskill, Ross Macleod, Andrew Sugden, 'Jock', skye-birds.com
Glaucous Gull - 1 (1st winter) at head of Loch Portree plus 2 returning Lesser Black-backed Gull
Gadwall - 1 (drake) at Tain Links
Common Sandpiper - 1 reported at Helmsdale
Cuckoo - 2 at Ardtornish - an exceptional early record, especially for two birds
House Martin - 2 reported at Cradlehall, Inverness
Wheatear - 1 at Dalcrombie, south of Inverness
Waxwing - 9 at Dell of Inshes, Inverness
Willow Warbler - 1 at Kinloch, Rum
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Alan Kennedy, Alan MacAskill, Ross Macleod, Andrew Sugden, 'Jock', skye-birds.com
Glaucous Gull - 1 (1st winter) at head of Loch Portree plus 2 returning Lesser Black-backed Gull
Gadwall - 1 (drake) at Tain Links
Common Sandpiper - 1 reported at Helmsdale
Cuckoo - 2 at Ardtornish - an exceptional early record, especially for two birds
House Martin - 2 reported at Cradlehall, Inverness
Wheatear - 1 at Dalcrombie, south of Inverness
Waxwing - 9 at Dell of Inshes, Inverness
Willow Warbler - 1 at Kinloch, Rum
Thursday 4th April
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Ian Ford, David Loates, Alan MacAskill, Ross Macleod, Al McNee, Paul Rich, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Whooper Swan - 4 at Fodderty, 9 at Balnacra and c30 over Kilmory, Rum
Velvet Scoter - 2 at Chanonry Point (rare for the location, with only 1-2 records a year) plus others seen 0640-0740hrs 2 Red-throated Diver, 8 Common Scoter, 11 Long-tailed Duck
Long-tailed Duck - 1(f) on Loch Eye plus 1 drake Gadwall
Green-winged Teal - 1 at Alturlie, plus 40 Scaup, 1 (m) Shoveler
Bar-tailed Godwit - 21 at Waterloo, Broadford Bay plus 6 Common Scoter nearby
Waxwing - 2 at Dell of Inshes, Inverness
Ring Ouzel - 1 on Beinn Sgritheall (above Loch Hourn), plus 4 at the Quiraing along with 20+ Wheatear
Blackcap - 1 (singing male) at Harry Gow's layby, North Kessock and 1 at Craig Phadrig, Inverness
Brambling - 1(f) at Milton of Leys, Inverness
General return of Blackcaps and Sand Martins to the region
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Ian Ford, David Loates, Alan MacAskill, Ross Macleod, Al McNee, Paul Rich, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Whooper Swan - 4 at Fodderty, 9 at Balnacra and c30 over Kilmory, Rum
Velvet Scoter - 2 at Chanonry Point (rare for the location, with only 1-2 records a year) plus others seen 0640-0740hrs 2 Red-throated Diver, 8 Common Scoter, 11 Long-tailed Duck
Long-tailed Duck - 1(f) on Loch Eye plus 1 drake Gadwall
Green-winged Teal - 1 at Alturlie, plus 40 Scaup, 1 (m) Shoveler
Bar-tailed Godwit - 21 at Waterloo, Broadford Bay plus 6 Common Scoter nearby
Waxwing - 2 at Dell of Inshes, Inverness
Ring Ouzel - 1 on Beinn Sgritheall (above Loch Hourn), plus 4 at the Quiraing along with 20+ Wheatear
Blackcap - 1 (singing male) at Harry Gow's layby, North Kessock and 1 at Craig Phadrig, Inverness
Brambling - 1(f) at Milton of Leys, Inverness
General return of Blackcaps and Sand Martins to the region
Friday 5th April
Thanks to Mary Galloway, David Loates, Alan MacAskill, Ross Macleod, Dave Pierce, Dan Pointon, Graeme Prest, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Great Crested Grebe - 1 at Alturlie
Barnacle Goose - 4 at Linicro, Skye
Whooper Swan - 2 at Glen Strathfarrar
Glaucous Gull - 2 on Loch Eil off Duisky
Scaup - c60 at Alturlie, plus 1 (m) Shoveler, 5 Common Snipe
Redshank - c1,000 at Redcastle
Bar-tailed Godwit - 182 at Ardersier, plus 90+ Knot
Wheatear - 1 (m) at Fortrose golf course
Nuthatch - 1 visiting feeders in Uig, Skye
Brambling - 8 at Drumguish, 2 at Milton of Leys, Inverness
Thanks to Mary Galloway, David Loates, Alan MacAskill, Ross Macleod, Dave Pierce, Dan Pointon, Graeme Prest, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Great Crested Grebe - 1 at Alturlie
Barnacle Goose - 4 at Linicro, Skye
Whooper Swan - 2 at Glen Strathfarrar
Glaucous Gull - 2 on Loch Eil off Duisky
Scaup - c60 at Alturlie, plus 1 (m) Shoveler, 5 Common Snipe
Redshank - c1,000 at Redcastle
Bar-tailed Godwit - 182 at Ardersier, plus 90+ Knot
Wheatear - 1 (m) at Fortrose golf course
Nuthatch - 1 visiting feeders in Uig, Skye
Brambling - 8 at Drumguish, 2 at Milton of Leys, Inverness
Saturday 6th April
Thanks to Gary Aitken, David Bain, Neil Bennett, Kevin Davis, Alan MacAskill, Ross Macleod, Dan Pointon, Bob Swann, Dave Tanner, skye-birds.com
Black-throated Diver - 5 at Chanonry Point, plus also noted late afternoon were 3 Great Northern Diver, 1 Common Scoter, 10 Eider, 7 Red-breasted Merganser, 10 Razorbill, 5 Common Guillemot, 3 Sand Martin
Red-throated Diver - 15 at Chanonry Point, also noted 0630-0730hrs were 12 Common Scoter, 31 Long-tailed Duck, 7 Kittiwake, 13 Turnstone, and 1(m) Wheatear
Slavonian Grebe - 1 at Alturlie, 1 at Portmahomack, plus c150 Common Scoter, 4 Purple Sandpiper
Whooper Swan - 1 at Dalziel farm near Inverness, and 2 off the Kessock Bridge
Gadwall - 1 (drake) at Tain Links
Shelduck - 30 at Milton of Culloden
Pintail - 6 at Redcastle
Green-winged Teal - 1 at Alturlie, plus 1 Great Crested Grebe, 20 Scaup, 1 (m) Gadwall, 1 (m) Shoveler
Ring-necked Duck - 1 drake still at Acharacle on Loch Shiel
Sandwich Tern - 15 at Skelbo, 10 at Rosemarkie, 2 at Portmahomack
Jack Snipe - 1 on Glas Eilean, Broadford Bay
Whimbrel - 1 at Broadford Bay
Greenshank - 1 at Whiteness plus c150 Bar-tailed Godwit, c 150 Dunlin, c150 Redshank, 3 Knot, 5 Turnstone, 8 Curlew, 1 Sanderling, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Golden Plover, 1 Ringed Plover
Bar-tailed Godwit - c220 at Skelbo
Knot - 350 at Skelbo, 1 at Harrapool, Broadford
Swallow - 1 at Kinloch, Rum and 1 at Balloch, Inverness
Waxwing - 6 at Milton of Leys, Inverness
Snow Bunting - 21 in Cairn Gorm car park
Willow Warbler - 1 at Loch Eye
Thanks to Gary Aitken, David Bain, Neil Bennett, Kevin Davis, Alan MacAskill, Ross Macleod, Dan Pointon, Bob Swann, Dave Tanner, skye-birds.com
Black-throated Diver - 5 at Chanonry Point, plus also noted late afternoon were 3 Great Northern Diver, 1 Common Scoter, 10 Eider, 7 Red-breasted Merganser, 10 Razorbill, 5 Common Guillemot, 3 Sand Martin
Red-throated Diver - 15 at Chanonry Point, also noted 0630-0730hrs were 12 Common Scoter, 31 Long-tailed Duck, 7 Kittiwake, 13 Turnstone, and 1(m) Wheatear
Slavonian Grebe - 1 at Alturlie, 1 at Portmahomack, plus c150 Common Scoter, 4 Purple Sandpiper
Whooper Swan - 1 at Dalziel farm near Inverness, and 2 off the Kessock Bridge
Gadwall - 1 (drake) at Tain Links
Shelduck - 30 at Milton of Culloden
Pintail - 6 at Redcastle
Green-winged Teal - 1 at Alturlie, plus 1 Great Crested Grebe, 20 Scaup, 1 (m) Gadwall, 1 (m) Shoveler
Ring-necked Duck - 1 drake still at Acharacle on Loch Shiel
Sandwich Tern - 15 at Skelbo, 10 at Rosemarkie, 2 at Portmahomack
Jack Snipe - 1 on Glas Eilean, Broadford Bay
Whimbrel - 1 at Broadford Bay
Greenshank - 1 at Whiteness plus c150 Bar-tailed Godwit, c 150 Dunlin, c150 Redshank, 3 Knot, 5 Turnstone, 8 Curlew, 1 Sanderling, 5 Black-tailed Godwit, 5 Golden Plover, 1 Ringed Plover
Bar-tailed Godwit - c220 at Skelbo
Knot - 350 at Skelbo, 1 at Harrapool, Broadford
Swallow - 1 at Kinloch, Rum and 1 at Balloch, Inverness
Waxwing - 6 at Milton of Leys, Inverness
Snow Bunting - 21 in Cairn Gorm car park
Willow Warbler - 1 at Loch Eye
Sunday 7th April
Thanks to Dawn Balmer, Alister Benn, Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Ross Macleod, Pete Nienow, Dave Pierce, Andrew Sugden, Bob Swann, Dave Tanner, skye-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - 4 at Chanonry Point, plus others noted 0620-0800hrs were 7 Scaup, 11 Common Scoter, 14 Long-tailed Duck, 5 Kittiwake, 4 Sandwich Tern, 13 Turnstone and a single Sand Martin
Great Skua - 1 at Embo, plus 1 Whimbrel
Little Gull - 3 at Portmahomack, 1 at near Polglass, Achiltibuie,
Common Crane - 2 at Hill of Fearn
Barnacle Goose - c60 at Achiltibuie
Whooper Swan - 13 at Insh marshes/Ruthven barracks, 1 on Loch Sheilah, Invergordon
Common Scoter - c200 at Portmahomack
Long-tailed Duck - 9 at Hilton of Cadboll, plus 8 Razorbill, 18 Turnstone, 1 Red-throated Diver
Scaup - 40 at Alturlie, 3 drake Shoveler, 2 drake Gadwall, 1 Great Crested Grebe
Golden Plover - 58 at Garbole, Strathdearn with another 76 at Gollanfield, near Inverness
Greenshank - 4 at Achnahaird
Common Sandpiper - 1 at Kinloch, Rum
Nuthatch - 1 visiting a Strontian garden
Brambling - 1 Brambling at Northfield, near Invergordon
Wheatear - 4 at Portmahomack
Snow Bunting - 2 at Glen Kyllachy
Increasing numbers of Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Ospreys and hirundines to the region
Thanks to Dawn Balmer, Alister Benn, Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Ross Macleod, Pete Nienow, Dave Pierce, Andrew Sugden, Bob Swann, Dave Tanner, skye-birds.com
Red-throated Diver - 4 at Chanonry Point, plus others noted 0620-0800hrs were 7 Scaup, 11 Common Scoter, 14 Long-tailed Duck, 5 Kittiwake, 4 Sandwich Tern, 13 Turnstone and a single Sand Martin
Great Skua - 1 at Embo, plus 1 Whimbrel
Little Gull - 3 at Portmahomack, 1 at near Polglass, Achiltibuie,
Common Crane - 2 at Hill of Fearn
Barnacle Goose - c60 at Achiltibuie
Whooper Swan - 13 at Insh marshes/Ruthven barracks, 1 on Loch Sheilah, Invergordon
Common Scoter - c200 at Portmahomack
Long-tailed Duck - 9 at Hilton of Cadboll, plus 8 Razorbill, 18 Turnstone, 1 Red-throated Diver
Scaup - 40 at Alturlie, 3 drake Shoveler, 2 drake Gadwall, 1 Great Crested Grebe
Golden Plover - 58 at Garbole, Strathdearn with another 76 at Gollanfield, near Inverness
Greenshank - 4 at Achnahaird
Common Sandpiper - 1 at Kinloch, Rum
Nuthatch - 1 visiting a Strontian garden
Brambling - 1 Brambling at Northfield, near Invergordon
Wheatear - 4 at Portmahomack
Snow Bunting - 2 at Glen Kyllachy
Increasing numbers of Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Ospreys and hirundines to the region
Monday 8th April
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Tony Laidler, Pete Moore, Sean Morris, Malcolm O'Reilly, Dave Tanner, 'Fiona', skye-birds.com
Manx Shearwater - 200+ seen from Rum-Eigg ferry, plus 3 Great Skua
Glaucous Gull - 1 (1st winter) at head of Loch Portree
Canada Goose - 9 at Isleornsay
Velvet Scoter - 1(f) at Waterloo, Broadford Bay plus 11 Common Scoter
Shoveler - 2 at Grantown-on-Spey pond, 1 off the AMC building, Fort William
Long-tailed Duck - 21 at Hilton Cadboll plus 7 Sandwich Tern, 5 Razorbill, 1 Guillemot and 1 Red-throated Diver
Black-tailed Godwit - 1 at Broadford Bay, plus 50+ Gannet
Whimbrel - 1 at Tarbat Ness, plus 18 Purple Sandpiper, with 167 Golden Plover at nearby Brucefield farm plus 1 Wheatear
Purple Sandpiper - 5 at Caol spit, plus 1 Whimbrel, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit (winplum), 2 Greenshank
Ring Ouzel - 2 at Cairn Gorm
Brambling - 1 at Strathpeffer
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Tony Laidler, Pete Moore, Sean Morris, Malcolm O'Reilly, Dave Tanner, 'Fiona', skye-birds.com
Manx Shearwater - 200+ seen from Rum-Eigg ferry, plus 3 Great Skua
Glaucous Gull - 1 (1st winter) at head of Loch Portree
Canada Goose - 9 at Isleornsay
Velvet Scoter - 1(f) at Waterloo, Broadford Bay plus 11 Common Scoter
Shoveler - 2 at Grantown-on-Spey pond, 1 off the AMC building, Fort William
Long-tailed Duck - 21 at Hilton Cadboll plus 7 Sandwich Tern, 5 Razorbill, 1 Guillemot and 1 Red-throated Diver
Black-tailed Godwit - 1 at Broadford Bay, plus 50+ Gannet
Whimbrel - 1 at Tarbat Ness, plus 18 Purple Sandpiper, with 167 Golden Plover at nearby Brucefield farm plus 1 Wheatear
Purple Sandpiper - 5 at Caol spit, plus 1 Whimbrel, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit (winplum), 2 Greenshank
Ring Ouzel - 2 at Cairn Gorm
Brambling - 1 at Strathpeffer
Tuesday 9th April
Thanks to David Bain, Neil Bennett, Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Jan Kerry, Alan MacAskill, 'Stuart'
Red-throated Diver - 17 at Chanonry Point, also seen 0630-0740hrs were 15 Common Scoter, 49 Long-tailed Duck, 58 Eider, 71 Kittiwake, 9 Sandwich Tern and 7 Gannet
Sandwich Tern - 26 at Skelbo
Kittiwake - 150+ Broadford Bay
Pink-footed Goose - c350 at Loch Mhòr, Gorthleck near Inverness
Long-tailed Duck - 7 at Balintore, with 18 at Hilton Cadboll, plus 6 Red-throated Diver, 1 Gannet, 3 Razorbill, 2 Guillemot and 3 Red-breasted Merganser
Common Sandpiper - 1 at Inverpolly, 1 at Loch Duntelchaig near Inverness (12 Fieldfare there also)
Ringed Plover 23 at Coul Links, plus 1 Turnstone
Hawfinch - 1 visiting feeders in Kinlochewe
Wheatear - 1 (leuchorhoa ssp.) at Harrapool, Skye
Waxwing - 8 at Redwood Avenue, Milton of Leys, Inverness - 1 Brambling present also
increasing numbers of Willow Warblers throughout the region
Thanks to David Bain, Neil Bennett, Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Jan Kerry, Alan MacAskill, 'Stuart'
Red-throated Diver - 17 at Chanonry Point, also seen 0630-0740hrs were 15 Common Scoter, 49 Long-tailed Duck, 58 Eider, 71 Kittiwake, 9 Sandwich Tern and 7 Gannet
Sandwich Tern - 26 at Skelbo
Kittiwake - 150+ Broadford Bay
Pink-footed Goose - c350 at Loch Mhòr, Gorthleck near Inverness
Long-tailed Duck - 7 at Balintore, with 18 at Hilton Cadboll, plus 6 Red-throated Diver, 1 Gannet, 3 Razorbill, 2 Guillemot and 3 Red-breasted Merganser
Common Sandpiper - 1 at Inverpolly, 1 at Loch Duntelchaig near Inverness (12 Fieldfare there also)
Ringed Plover 23 at Coul Links, plus 1 Turnstone
Hawfinch - 1 visiting feeders in Kinlochewe
Wheatear - 1 (leuchorhoa ssp.) at Harrapool, Skye
Waxwing - 8 at Redwood Avenue, Milton of Leys, Inverness - 1 Brambling present also
increasing numbers of Willow Warblers throughout the region
Wednesday 10th April
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Dean MacAskill, Peter Mackay, David Patterson, Dave Pierce, Dave Tanner, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Whooper Swan - 7 at Wester Dalziel and 2 at Storr Lochs, Skye
Pink-footed Goose - 5850+ heading north off Tarbat Ness
Green-winged Teal - 1 on flooded field at Easter Dalziel
Scaup - 610 in outer Cromarty Firth also 280 Long-tailed Duck, 36 Slavonian Grebe, 7 Red -throated Diver, 1 Black-throated Diver
Great Northern Diver - 1 at Connage Bay with 23 Slavonian Grebe, 3 Common Scoter, 17 Bar-tailed Godwit and 23 Meadow Pipit along the shoreline with 2 White Wagtail
Red-throated Diver - 4 at Loch Insh and 7 at Chanonry Point with 3 Common Scoter, 51 Kittiwake, 17 Sandwich Tern, 27 Long-tailed Duck, 150+ Razorbill
Goosander - 1 flying up River Averon
Slavonian Grebe - 1 in summer plumage at Kilmarie Bay, Loch Slapin
Bar-tailed Godwit - 1 at Alness Point with 11 Shelduck, 1 Razorbill, and 7 Sand Martin
Black-tailed Godwit - 11 at Inver with 59 Shelduck and 2 Osprey
Common Sandpiper - 1 at The Mound and a pair at Lochlonghead, Skye with 10+ Redshank
Purple Sandpiper - 8 at West Bay, Mallaig
Knot -1 in Broadford Bay & 2 Canada Geese
Magpie - 1 at Plockton
Meadow Pipit - flocks of 180 at Swordale and 50 at Kilmarie Bay, Skye
Swallow - 1 at Conon Bridge and 2 Sand Martins
450+ hirundines over Loch Insh
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Dean MacAskill, Peter Mackay, David Patterson, Dave Pierce, Dave Tanner, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Whooper Swan - 7 at Wester Dalziel and 2 at Storr Lochs, Skye
Pink-footed Goose - 5850+ heading north off Tarbat Ness
Green-winged Teal - 1 on flooded field at Easter Dalziel
Scaup - 610 in outer Cromarty Firth also 280 Long-tailed Duck, 36 Slavonian Grebe, 7 Red -throated Diver, 1 Black-throated Diver
Great Northern Diver - 1 at Connage Bay with 23 Slavonian Grebe, 3 Common Scoter, 17 Bar-tailed Godwit and 23 Meadow Pipit along the shoreline with 2 White Wagtail
Red-throated Diver - 4 at Loch Insh and 7 at Chanonry Point with 3 Common Scoter, 51 Kittiwake, 17 Sandwich Tern, 27 Long-tailed Duck, 150+ Razorbill
Goosander - 1 flying up River Averon
Slavonian Grebe - 1 in summer plumage at Kilmarie Bay, Loch Slapin
Bar-tailed Godwit - 1 at Alness Point with 11 Shelduck, 1 Razorbill, and 7 Sand Martin
Black-tailed Godwit - 11 at Inver with 59 Shelduck and 2 Osprey
Common Sandpiper - 1 at The Mound and a pair at Lochlonghead, Skye with 10+ Redshank
Purple Sandpiper - 8 at West Bay, Mallaig
Knot -1 in Broadford Bay & 2 Canada Geese
Magpie - 1 at Plockton
Meadow Pipit - flocks of 180 at Swordale and 50 at Kilmarie Bay, Skye
Swallow - 1 at Conon Bridge and 2 Sand Martins
450+ hirundines over Loch Insh
Thursday 11th April
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Mary Galloway, Alan MacAskill, Joseph Puffin, 'Sarah', skye-birds.com
Canada Goose - 8 in Broadford Bay and 120 Ringed Plover
Kumlien's Gull - 1 adult still Helmsdale harbour
Gadwall - 2 males at Udale
Shoveler - drake at Alturlie, also 3 White Wagtail and several Sand Martins
Pintail - 3 at Redcastle
Red-throated Diver - 7 at Chanonry point with (0620-0740) 2 Common Scoter, 2 Goldeneye, 3 Long-tailed Duck, 104 Kittiwake, 17 Sandwich Tern, 234 Razorbill (for comparison just 2 Guillemot seen)
Black-throated Diver - 1 in summer plumage at Ashaig, Broadford
Black-tailed Godwit - 11 at Inver with 2 Bar-tailed Godwit and 26 Knot, 59 Shelduck and 2 Osprey
Sandwich Tern - 1 at Kilmaluag Bay, Skye
Arctic Skua - 1 at Rosemarkie
Ring Ouzel - 1 on the Farr road
Escapee Saker Falcon is active in Inverness (bird has jesses)
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Mary Galloway, Alan MacAskill, Joseph Puffin, 'Sarah', skye-birds.com
Canada Goose - 8 in Broadford Bay and 120 Ringed Plover
Kumlien's Gull - 1 adult still Helmsdale harbour
Gadwall - 2 males at Udale
Shoveler - drake at Alturlie, also 3 White Wagtail and several Sand Martins
Pintail - 3 at Redcastle
Red-throated Diver - 7 at Chanonry point with (0620-0740) 2 Common Scoter, 2 Goldeneye, 3 Long-tailed Duck, 104 Kittiwake, 17 Sandwich Tern, 234 Razorbill (for comparison just 2 Guillemot seen)
Black-throated Diver - 1 in summer plumage at Ashaig, Broadford
Black-tailed Godwit - 11 at Inver with 2 Bar-tailed Godwit and 26 Knot, 59 Shelduck and 2 Osprey
Sandwich Tern - 1 at Kilmaluag Bay, Skye
Arctic Skua - 1 at Rosemarkie
Ring Ouzel - 1 on the Farr road
Escapee Saker Falcon is active in Inverness (bird has jesses)
Friday 12th April
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Jonathan Clarke, Kevin Davis, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Whooper Swan - 6 on River Carron at Balnacro and 3 at Loch Suardal, Dunvegan
Canada Goose - 5 at Lochlonghead and 2 at Pool Roag with a single Barnacle Goose
Green-winged Teal - 1 again at Easter Dalziel flood plus 7 Whooper Swans and 2 Canada Geese
Pintail - 1 at Redcastle
Common Scoter - 4 in Broadford Bay with drake Long-tailed Duck and Grebe in summer plumage
Goldeneye -5 at Loch Suardal
Black-tailed Godwit - 2 at Cromarty
Great Skua - 1 off Kilmaluag, Skye
Sandwich Tern - 5 at Kilmaluag with a single at Duntulm, Skye
Guillemot - 1 at Lochlonghead, Skye (although still the sea, about as far inland as you can get)
Thanks to Neil Bennett, Jonathan Clarke, Kevin Davis, Blair Whyte, skye-birds.com
Whooper Swan - 6 on River Carron at Balnacro and 3 at Loch Suardal, Dunvegan
Canada Goose - 5 at Lochlonghead and 2 at Pool Roag with a single Barnacle Goose
Green-winged Teal - 1 again at Easter Dalziel flood plus 7 Whooper Swans and 2 Canada Geese
Pintail - 1 at Redcastle
Common Scoter - 4 in Broadford Bay with drake Long-tailed Duck and Grebe in summer plumage
Goldeneye -5 at Loch Suardal
Black-tailed Godwit - 2 at Cromarty
Great Skua - 1 off Kilmaluag, Skye
Sandwich Tern - 5 at Kilmaluag with a single at Duntulm, Skye
Guillemot - 1 at Lochlonghead, Skye (although still the sea, about as far inland as you can get)
Saturday 13th April
Thanks to Andy Williams, Graham Crittenden, Kim Dawson, Calum Urquhat, Sylvia and Mick Brennan
Pink-footed Goose - still Carr Road, Dulnain Bridge
Common Scoter - c60 between Portmahomack and Inver with 3 Sandwich Tern, 95 Bar-tailed Godwit, c40 Knot, 3 Gannet, 2 Razorbill and 1 Black-throated Diver
Long-tailed Duck - 18 at Golspie, also 17 at Dunrobin with 8 Razorbill
Black-tailed Godwit - 10 at Bunchrew, Beauly Firth
Cuckoo - 1 at Ardgay
Wheatear - 1 at Loch Fleet with 16 Lapwing and 1 Osprey
Blackcap - 1 Boat of Garten
Willow Warbler - 1 at Melvich, 1 Boat of Garten
Thanks to Andy Williams, Graham Crittenden, Kim Dawson, Calum Urquhat, Sylvia and Mick Brennan
Pink-footed Goose - still Carr Road, Dulnain Bridge
Common Scoter - c60 between Portmahomack and Inver with 3 Sandwich Tern, 95 Bar-tailed Godwit, c40 Knot, 3 Gannet, 2 Razorbill and 1 Black-throated Diver
Long-tailed Duck - 18 at Golspie, also 17 at Dunrobin with 8 Razorbill
Black-tailed Godwit - 10 at Bunchrew, Beauly Firth
Cuckoo - 1 at Ardgay
Wheatear - 1 at Loch Fleet with 16 Lapwing and 1 Osprey
Blackcap - 1 Boat of Garten
Willow Warbler - 1 at Melvich, 1 Boat of Garten
Sunday 14th April
Thanks to Bob McMillan, Neil Bennett, Penny Insole, J Simon van der Walt, Skye Birds, Blair Whyte, Shaz, Stuart,, Dean MacAskill,,
Tommy Youd and Julie Vivers, Kim Dawson
Greenland White-fronted Goose - 14 at Kilmalaug, Skye - passage birds for second day
Whooper Swan - 16 heading north over Portree
Pintail - 8 Redcastle
Long-tailed Duck - 5 Dornoch Point
Red-throated Diver - 4 Dornoch Point
Slavonian Grebe - 2 Dornoch Point
Whimbrel - 1 at Poolewe, 6 Dornoch Beach
Common Sandpiper - 2 Kilmaluag, 1 Rum, 2 Easter Moy, 2 Dochgarroch
Great Skua - 3 Staffin Island
Kumlein's Gull - 1 still at Helmsdale Harbour
Tree Pipit - 1 Aldie Burn Woods, Tain
White Wagtail - 11 Dornoch Beach
Willow Warbler - 1 Easter Moy, 1 Inverpolly
Brambling - 1 Northfield, Invergordon
Thanks to Bob McMillan, Neil Bennett, Penny Insole, J Simon van der Walt, Skye Birds, Blair Whyte, Shaz, Stuart,, Dean MacAskill,,
Tommy Youd and Julie Vivers, Kim Dawson
Greenland White-fronted Goose - 14 at Kilmalaug, Skye - passage birds for second day
Whooper Swan - 16 heading north over Portree
Pintail - 8 Redcastle
Long-tailed Duck - 5 Dornoch Point
Red-throated Diver - 4 Dornoch Point
Slavonian Grebe - 2 Dornoch Point
Whimbrel - 1 at Poolewe, 6 Dornoch Beach
Common Sandpiper - 2 Kilmaluag, 1 Rum, 2 Easter Moy, 2 Dochgarroch
Great Skua - 3 Staffin Island
Kumlein's Gull - 1 still at Helmsdale Harbour
Tree Pipit - 1 Aldie Burn Woods, Tain
White Wagtail - 11 Dornoch Beach
Willow Warbler - 1 Easter Moy, 1 Inverpolly
Brambling - 1 Northfield, Invergordon
Monday 15th April
Thanks to Skye Birds, Dave Pullan, Dean MacAskill, Mary Galloway, Alan MacAskill
Brent Goose - 30 storm bound Kinloch Rum
Velvet Scoter - 1 Embo
Great Northern Diver - 2 Brora
Black-throated Diver -1 Embo
Golden Plover - 65 Bennetsfield, Avoch
Black-tailed Godwit - 23 Deshar Flood, Boatof Garten
Greenshank - 1 Deshar Flood, Boatof Garten
Kittiwake - 150 Broadford Bay
Little Gull - 2 adults Brora
Cuckoo - 3 birds reported calling Kilbride, Torrin
Thanks to Skye Birds, Dave Pullan, Dean MacAskill, Mary Galloway, Alan MacAskill
Brent Goose - 30 storm bound Kinloch Rum
Velvet Scoter - 1 Embo
Great Northern Diver - 2 Brora
Black-throated Diver -1 Embo
Golden Plover - 65 Bennetsfield, Avoch
Black-tailed Godwit - 23 Deshar Flood, Boatof Garten
Greenshank - 1 Deshar Flood, Boatof Garten
Kittiwake - 150 Broadford Bay
Little Gull - 2 adults Brora
Cuckoo - 3 birds reported calling Kilbride, Torrin
Tuesday 16th April
Thanks to Kevin Davis, John Poyner, Skye Birds, Kim Dawson,, Duncan MacDonald, Alan MacAskill, Paul Sharman
Whooper Swan - 1 Loch man Corr,,Inverinate,, 6 River Carron Balnacra
Black-throated Diver - 3 Chanonry Point
Red-throated Diver -11 Chanonry Point
Common Scoter - 9 Chanonry Point
Long-tailed Duck - 2 Chanonry Point
Kittiwake - 152 Chanonry Point
Gannet - 7 Chanonry Point
Black-tailed Godwit - 23 summer plumaged birds still Deshar Flod, Boat of Garten
Willow Warblers, Tree Pipits, Swallows and Common Sandpipers are now beginning to return across the region.
Thanks to Kevin Davis, John Poyner, Skye Birds, Kim Dawson,, Duncan MacDonald, Alan MacAskill, Paul Sharman
Whooper Swan - 1 Loch man Corr,,Inverinate,, 6 River Carron Balnacra
Black-throated Diver - 3 Chanonry Point
Red-throated Diver -11 Chanonry Point
Common Scoter - 9 Chanonry Point
Long-tailed Duck - 2 Chanonry Point
Kittiwake - 152 Chanonry Point
Gannet - 7 Chanonry Point
Black-tailed Godwit - 23 summer plumaged birds still Deshar Flod, Boat of Garten
Willow Warblers, Tree Pipits, Swallows and Common Sandpipers are now beginning to return across the region.
Wednesday 17th April
Thanks to Alan MacAskill, Skye Birds, Derek Coleman, Dean MacAskill
Pink-footed Goose - 1800 Alturlie
Canada Goose - 2 West Dalziel
Whooper Swan, 6 West Dalziel, 20 Insh Marshes
Velvet Scoter - 1 Embo
Great Northern Diver - 4 Embo
Whimbrel - 1 Harrapool, 1 Connage Burn
Greenshank- 6 Connage Burn
Bar-tailed Godwit - 14 Connage Burn
Black-tailed Godwit - 23 still Deshar Flood, Boat of Garten
Cuckoo - birds reported from Aird, Slet and the Rhu, Arisaig
White Wagtail - 1 Kilmaluag, 2 Connage Burn
Redwing - 7 Kilmaluag
Sedge Warbler - 1 Cow Hill, Fort William
Thanks to Alan MacAskill, Skye Birds, Derek Coleman, Dean MacAskill
Pink-footed Goose - 1800 Alturlie
Canada Goose - 2 West Dalziel
Whooper Swan, 6 West Dalziel, 20 Insh Marshes
Velvet Scoter - 1 Embo
Great Northern Diver - 4 Embo
Whimbrel - 1 Harrapool, 1 Connage Burn
Greenshank- 6 Connage Burn
Bar-tailed Godwit - 14 Connage Burn
Black-tailed Godwit - 23 still Deshar Flood, Boat of Garten
Cuckoo - birds reported from Aird, Slet and the Rhu, Arisaig
White Wagtail - 1 Kilmaluag, 2 Connage Burn
Redwing - 7 Kilmaluag
Sedge Warbler - 1 Cow Hill, Fort William
Thursday 18th April
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, John Poyner, Oscar Puls, Al McNee, Steve Broyd, Skye Birds, Duncan MacDonald, Bird news services, Kevin Davis, David Loates
Barnacle Goose - 2 Kilmaluag
Shoveler - 1 drake Coul Links
Whimbrel - 6 Dornoch Beach, 16 Kilmarie Bay on Loch Slapin
Greenshank - 1 Carr Road, Dulnain Bridge, 1 Merkinch LNR
Black-tailed Godwit - 3 ealy morning Deshar Pool, Boat of Garten
Glaucous Gull - 1 juvemile Balmaquien
Common Tern - 1 Dornoch Beach
Ring-necked Parakeet -1 seen at the weekend in the Inshes area between Old Edinburgh Road and Boswell Road. Also possible seen today near the Inshes Retail Par (presumably the same bird).
White Wagtail - 4 Dornoch Beach, 8 Embo, 4 Cromarty
Wheatear - 7 Heaste, 1 Embo
Blackcap - 1 Merkinch LNR
Waxwing - 1 briefly in a garden Milton of Leys, 30 along the Spey south of Aviemore
Thanks to Dean MacAskill, John Poyner, Oscar Puls, Al McNee, Steve Broyd, Skye Birds, Duncan MacDonald, Bird news services, Kevin Davis, David Loates
Barnacle Goose - 2 Kilmaluag
Shoveler - 1 drake Coul Links
Whimbrel - 6 Dornoch Beach, 16 Kilmarie Bay on Loch Slapin
Greenshank - 1 Carr Road, Dulnain Bridge, 1 Merkinch LNR
Black-tailed Godwit - 3 ealy morning Deshar Pool, Boat of Garten
Glaucous Gull - 1 juvemile Balmaquien
Common Tern - 1 Dornoch Beach
Ring-necked Parakeet -1 seen at the weekend in the Inshes area between Old Edinburgh Road and Boswell Road. Also possible seen today near the Inshes Retail Par (presumably the same bird).
White Wagtail - 4 Dornoch Beach, 8 Embo, 4 Cromarty
Wheatear - 7 Heaste, 1 Embo
Blackcap - 1 Merkinch LNR
Waxwing - 1 briefly in a garden Milton of Leys, 30 along the Spey south of Aviemore
Friday 19th April
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Audrey Turner, Ross Macleod, Skye Birds, Oscar Puls,Stuart, Daniel
Whooper Swan - 17 heading north over Kyle
Red-throated Diver - 21 Chanonry Point
Ruddy Shelduck - 1 near Dingwall
Common Scoter - 3 Chanonry Point
Long-tailed Duck -9 Chanonry Point
Shoveler - 1 drake still Culloden House Hotel
Gannet - 6 Chanonry Point
Whimbrel -2 Kilmaluag, 1 Kinloch, Rum
Black-tailed Godwit - 3 still Deshar Flood , Boat of Garten
Razorbill - 664 Chanonry Point
Guillemot - 5 Chanonry Point
Cuckoo - 1 Polbain, Achiltibuie, 1 Loch Fleet
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Audrey Turner, Ross Macleod, Skye Birds, Oscar Puls,Stuart, Daniel
Whooper Swan - 17 heading north over Kyle
Red-throated Diver - 21 Chanonry Point
Ruddy Shelduck - 1 near Dingwall
Common Scoter - 3 Chanonry Point
Long-tailed Duck -9 Chanonry Point
Shoveler - 1 drake still Culloden House Hotel
Gannet - 6 Chanonry Point
Whimbrel -2 Kilmaluag, 1 Kinloch, Rum
Black-tailed Godwit - 3 still Deshar Flood , Boat of Garten
Razorbill - 664 Chanonry Point
Guillemot - 5 Chanonry Point
Cuckoo - 1 Polbain, Achiltibuie, 1 Loch Fleet
Saturday 20th April
Thanks to Tony Cluxton, Kevin Davis, Skye Birds, Bob McMillan
Whooper Swan - 13 over Cromarty
Common Scoter - 9 Broadford Bay
Great Northern Diver - 34 Loch nan Ceall
Purple Heron - 1 reported on Muck yesterday.(photograph)
Whimbrel - 1 Shoremills
Garden Warbler - 1 at Dores plus 1 Tree Pipit
Widespread return of Cuckoos to the region
Thanks to Tony Cluxton, Kevin Davis, Skye Birds, Bob McMillan
Whooper Swan - 13 over Cromarty
Common Scoter - 9 Broadford Bay
Great Northern Diver - 34 Loch nan Ceall
Purple Heron - 1 reported on Muck yesterday.(photograph)
Whimbrel - 1 Shoremills
Garden Warbler - 1 at Dores plus 1 Tree Pipit
Widespread return of Cuckoos to the region
Sunday 21st April
Thanks to Keith Barnes, Mike Crutch, Kim Dawson, Tom Flowers, Mary Galloway, Judith Levene, Dean MacAskill, Duncan Macdonald, Ross Macleod, David Patterson, 'Jock', skye-birds.com
Kumlein's Gull - 1 still at Helmsdale Harbour
Barnacle Goose - 1 at Neist Point, Skye plus 1 Great Skua
Whooper Swan - 30 over Neist Point, Skye plus 1 at Dalziel farm near Inverness
Goosander - 2 pairs at Lochindorn plus 1 (m) Goldeneye
Gadwall - 2 (m) at Udale, pair at Loch Kinellan
Common Scoter – 1,050 at Portmahomack plus 42 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Scaup
Shoveler - 1 (m) still at Culloden House Hotel pond
Long-tailed Duck 19 - at Hilton of Cadboll plus 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Shelduck (pair), 2 Red-breasted Merganser (pair)
Whimbrel - 1 past Duntulm, 2 at Harrapool, Skye, 1 at Hilton of Cadboll
Wheatear - 1 at Hilton of Cadboll, 5 (leuchorhoa ssp.) at Kilmaluag plus 1 at Neist Point, Skye
Hawfinch - 1 ringed in Melvich
Corn Bunting - 2 at Alturlie
Nuthatch - 1 at Ardgeal, Kincraig
Grasshopper Warbler - singles at Nigg and Alturlie, plus other reeling birds on Skye
White Wagtail - 2 at Portree, 5 at Hilton of Cadboll
Reports of Redstarts returning to the region
Thanks to Keith Barnes, Mike Crutch, Kim Dawson, Tom Flowers, Mary Galloway, Judith Levene, Dean MacAskill, Duncan Macdonald, Ross Macleod, David Patterson, 'Jock', skye-birds.com
Kumlein's Gull - 1 still at Helmsdale Harbour
Barnacle Goose - 1 at Neist Point, Skye plus 1 Great Skua
Whooper Swan - 30 over Neist Point, Skye plus 1 at Dalziel farm near Inverness
Goosander - 2 pairs at Lochindorn plus 1 (m) Goldeneye
Gadwall - 2 (m) at Udale, pair at Loch Kinellan
Common Scoter – 1,050 at Portmahomack plus 42 Long-tailed Duck, 1 Scaup
Shoveler - 1 (m) still at Culloden House Hotel pond
Long-tailed Duck 19 - at Hilton of Cadboll plus 2 Red-throated Diver, 2 Shelduck (pair), 2 Red-breasted Merganser (pair)
Whimbrel - 1 past Duntulm, 2 at Harrapool, Skye, 1 at Hilton of Cadboll
Wheatear - 1 at Hilton of Cadboll, 5 (leuchorhoa ssp.) at Kilmaluag plus 1 at Neist Point, Skye
Hawfinch - 1 ringed in Melvich
Corn Bunting - 2 at Alturlie
Nuthatch - 1 at Ardgeal, Kincraig
Grasshopper Warbler - singles at Nigg and Alturlie, plus other reeling birds on Skye
White Wagtail - 2 at Portree, 5 at Hilton of Cadboll
Reports of Redstarts returning to the region
Monday 22nd April
Thanks to Alister Clunas, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Dave Pierce, skye-birds.com
Black-throated Diver - 4 off Dornoch
Common Tern - 1 at Chanonry Point
Greenshank - 1 on passage on the Leys Estate, Inverness
Whimbrel - 8 at Waterloo, Broadford Bay, 13 at Embo, with 12 at Dornoch plus 8 White Wagtail
Whinchat - birds back on territory in Badenoch
Thanks to Alister Clunas, Alan MacAskill, Dean MacAskill, Dave Pierce, skye-birds.com
Black-throated Diver - 4 off Dornoch
Common Tern - 1 at Chanonry Point
Greenshank - 1 on passage on the Leys Estate, Inverness
Whimbrel - 8 at Waterloo, Broadford Bay, 13 at Embo, with 12 at Dornoch plus 8 White Wagtail
Whinchat - birds back on territory in Badenoch
Tuesday 23rd April
Thanks to John Carruthers, Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Mary Galloway, John Poyner, skye-birds.com, BirdGuides
Black-throated Diver - 1 at Chanonry Point, also noted 0550-0730hrs were 12 Red-throated Diver, 16 Common Tern, 6 Sandwich Tern, 1 Common Scoter, 13 Long-tailed Duck, 2 Fulmar, 83 Kittiwake, 19 Gannet, 292 Razorbill, 80 Guillemot
Long-tailed Duck - 12 at Hilton of Cadboll, also noted were 4 White Wagtail, 5 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Red-throated Diver, 3 Whimbrel, 1 Gannet, 7 Razorbill, 2 Guillemot, 2 Turnstone and 1 Wheatear
Whimbrel - 1 at Chanonry Point pm, plus 3 at Loch Portree plus 9 Canada Goose and 9 Greenshank
Bar-tailed Godwit - 15 at Waterloo, Broadford Bay plus 2 Whimbrel
Pallid Harrier - 1 juvenile reported at Durness
Nuthatch - 1 visiting feeders in Portree
Brambling - 1 visiting feeders in Plockton
Whinchat - 1 at The Storehouse, Foulis
White Wagtail - 10+ at Fortrose
Thanks to John Carruthers, Kevin Davis, Kim Dawson, Mary Galloway, John Poyner, skye-birds.com, BirdGuides
Black-throated Diver - 1 at Chanonry Point, also noted 0550-0730hrs were 12 Red-throated Diver, 16 Common Tern, 6 Sandwich Tern, 1 Common Scoter, 13 Long-tailed Duck, 2 Fulmar, 83 Kittiwake, 19 Gannet, 292 Razorbill, 80 Guillemot
Long-tailed Duck - 12 at Hilton of Cadboll, also noted were 4 White Wagtail, 5 Purple Sandpiper, 1 Red-throated Diver, 3 Whimbrel, 1 Gannet, 7 Razorbill, 2 Guillemot, 2 Turnstone and 1 Wheatear
Whimbrel - 1 at Chanonry Point pm, plus 3 at Loch Portree plus 9 Canada Goose and 9 Greenshank
Bar-tailed Godwit - 15 at Waterloo, Broadford Bay plus 2 Whimbrel
Pallid Harrier - 1 juvenile reported at Durness
Nuthatch - 1 visiting feeders in Portree
Brambling - 1 visiting feeders in Plockton
Whinchat - 1 at The Storehouse, Foulis
White Wagtail - 10+ at Fortrose
Wednesday 24th April
Thanks to Jort Brough, Tom Flowers, Bob Swann, Dave Tanner, 'Fiona'
Great Northern Diver - 1 east of Alturlie
Common Scoter - c100 at Portmahomack, plus a pair of Scaup
Knot - 55 at Castle Stuart plus 35 Bar-tailed Godwit
Whimbrel - 5 west of Castle Stuart, Inverness, 2 at Alturlie plus 5 White Wagtail
Common Crane - 2 over Tore
Whitethroat - 1 at Contin
Ring Ouzel - 1 at Upper Auchandunie, Ardross plus a number of returning birds on Skye
Wider return of Grasshopper Warblers to the region
Thanks to Jort Brough, Tom Flowers, Bob Swann, Dave Tanner, 'Fiona'
Great Northern Diver - 1 east of Alturlie
Common Scoter - c100 at Portmahomack, plus a pair of Scaup
Knot - 55 at Castle Stuart plus 35 Bar-tailed Godwit
Whimbrel - 5 west of Castle Stuart, Inverness, 2 at Alturlie plus 5 White Wagtail
Common Crane - 2 over Tore
Whitethroat - 1 at Contin
Ring Ouzel - 1 at Upper Auchandunie, Ardross plus a number of returning birds on Skye
Wider return of Grasshopper Warblers to the region
Friday 26th April
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Andy Douse, Dean MacAskill, Ross Macleod, Dave Tanner, skye-birds.com
Black-throated Diver - 8 at Coul Links, plus 2 Great Northern Diver
Red-throated Diver - 3 at Chanonry Point, also seen 0550-0730hrs were 37 Sandwich Tern, 16 Common Tern, 4 Common Scoter, 12 Long-tailed Duck, 28 Kittiwake, 12 Gannet and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull (which Kevin Davis notes as the first of the year, and are becoming increasingly difficult to find on the Black Isle)
Shoveler - 1 at Alturlie, 1 still at Culloden House Hotel
Golden Plover - c150 at Wilkhaven Farm, Portmahomack
Whimbrel - 7 at Coul Links, 2 at Meanish, Skye, 3 at Waterloo, Broadford plus 16 Bar-tailed Godwit
Garden Warbler - 1 at Ard Hill, Nostie, Skye
White Wagtail - 6 at Embo, 1 at Portmahomack
Wider return of House Martins to the region
Thanks to Kevin Davis, Andy Douse, Dean MacAskill, Ross Macleod, Dave Tanner, skye-birds.com
Black-throated Diver - 8 at Coul Links, plus 2 Great Northern Diver
Red-throated Diver - 3 at Chanonry Point, also seen 0550-0730hrs were 37 Sandwich Tern, 16 Common Tern, 4 Common Scoter, 12 Long-tailed Duck, 28 Kittiwake, 12 Gannet and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull (which Kevin Davis notes as the first of the year, and are becoming increasingly difficult to find on the Black Isle)
Shoveler - 1 at Alturlie, 1 still at Culloden House Hotel
Golden Plover - c150 at Wilkhaven Farm, Portmahomack
Whimbrel - 7 at Coul Links, 2 at Meanish, Skye, 3 at Waterloo, Broadford plus 16 Bar-tailed Godwit
Garden Warbler - 1 at Ard Hill, Nostie, Skye
White Wagtail - 6 at Embo, 1 at Portmahomack
Wider return of House Martins to the region
Saturday 27th April
Thanks to Simeon Ewing, Dean MacAskill, skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 9 at Flodigarry Bay plus 11 at Broadford Bay with 7 Common Scoter
Great Crested Grebe - 1 at Alturlie, plus 1 Whimbrel and 2 (m) Shoveler
Kumlein's Gull - 1 (2CY) at Brora harbour
Sedge Warbler - 1 at Edinbane, Skye
Continued movement of Pink-footed Geese northbound throughout the region
Thanks to Simeon Ewing, Dean MacAskill, skye-birds.com
Great Northern Diver - 9 at Flodigarry Bay plus 11 at Broadford Bay with 7 Common Scoter
Great Crested Grebe - 1 at Alturlie, plus 1 Whimbrel and 2 (m) Shoveler
Kumlein's Gull - 1 (2CY) at Brora harbour
Sedge Warbler - 1 at Edinbane, Skye
Continued movement of Pink-footed Geese northbound throughout the region
Sunday 28th April
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Ian Ford, Carol Miller, Dave Tanner, Calum Urquhart, 'Shaz', skye-birds.com, Arc Guiding
Pink-footed Goose - 8 at Kilmaluag and 2 at Broadford Bay which are probably resident
Mandarin Duck - 1 at Helmsdale
Great Crested Grebe - 2 at Loch Insh
Purple Sandpiper - 5 at Neist Point
Whimbrel - 11 at Neist Point, 11 at Traigh, Morar, 15 at the head of Loch Harport, 2 at Waterloo and 10 at Coul Links with 12 Red-breasted Merganser, 17 Sandwich Tern and 1 Wheatear
White Wagtail - 2 still present at Tarbat Ness with 4 Whimbrel and the first House Martin and 2 Swallows
Redstart - 1 singing at Glen Moriston and 2 in Glen Strathfarrar, with a Wood Warbler
Tree Sparrow - 1 at Nethy Bridge and 1 at Rothiemurchus
Jay - 2 at Mam Ratagan
Thanks to Kim Dawson, Ian Ford, Carol Miller, Dave Tanner, Calum Urquhart, 'Shaz', skye-birds.com, Arc Guiding
Pink-footed Goose - 8 at Kilmaluag and 2 at Broadford Bay which are probably resident
Mandarin Duck - 1 at Helmsdale
Great Crested Grebe - 2 at Loch Insh
Purple Sandpiper - 5 at Neist Point
Whimbrel - 11 at Neist Point, 11 at Traigh, Morar, 15 at the head of Loch Harport, 2 at Waterloo and 10 at Coul Links with 12 Red-breasted Merganser, 17 Sandwich Tern and 1 Wheatear
White Wagtail - 2 still present at Tarbat Ness with 4 Whimbrel and the first House Martin and 2 Swallows
Redstart - 1 singing at Glen Moriston and 2 in Glen Strathfarrar, with a Wood Warbler
Tree Sparrow - 1 at Nethy Bridge and 1 at Rothiemurchus
Jay - 2 at Mam Ratagan
Monday 29th April
Thanks to Steve Broyd, John Carruthers, Alister Clunas, Kim Dawson, Simon Eaves, Mary Galloway, Dean MacAskill, David Patterson, John Poyner, 'Fiona', skye-birds.com
Pink-footed Goose - 37 at Dalmore, Alness, with 1 White Wagtail, 3 in Broadford Bay and 1 at Ullinish
Long-tailed Duck - 850 at Golspie and 10 at Portmahomack
Common Scoter - 1,215 at Portmahomack and 220 at Golspie
Scaup - 1 at Portmahomack
Great Northern Diver - 17 in Broadford Bay with 3 Common Scoter
Little Tern - 8 at Dornoch Beach with 6 White Wagtail, 12 Whimbrel, 100 Ringed Plover, 45 Dunlin, 13 Black-tailed Godwit and a pair of Pintail
Black-tailed Godwit - 1 at Udale, Black Isle
Whimbrel - 5 in fields at Kilmaluag and 2 on shore
Arctic Skua - 1 (dark phase) at Chanonry Point
Great Crested Grebe - 2 still at Loch Insh
Stock Dove - 1 on plough just west of Poyntzfield, Black Isle
Cuckoo - at Sliemore, Nethy Bridge and Dorbac
Sedge Warbler - 1 at Kinellan, Strathpeffer
Hawfinch - 1 in private garden, Newtonhill, Inverness
Late records of a Common Crane at Loch Coulavie, Glen Affric on Saturday and a Nuthatch at Galtrigall, Skye on 23rd
Thanks to Steve Broyd, John Carruthers, Alister Clunas, Kim Dawson, Simon Eaves, Mary Galloway, Dean MacAskill, David Patterson, John Poyner, 'Fiona', skye-birds.com
Pink-footed Goose - 37 at Dalmore, Alness, with 1 White Wagtail, 3 in Broadford Bay and 1 at Ullinish
Long-tailed Duck - 850 at Golspie and 10 at Portmahomack
Common Scoter - 1,215 at Portmahomack and 220 at Golspie
Scaup - 1 at Portmahomack
Great Northern Diver - 17 in Broadford Bay with 3 Common Scoter
Little Tern - 8 at Dornoch Beach with 6 White Wagtail, 12 Whimbrel, 100 Ringed Plover, 45 Dunlin, 13 Black-tailed Godwit and a pair of Pintail
Black-tailed Godwit - 1 at Udale, Black Isle
Whimbrel - 5 in fields at Kilmaluag and 2 on shore
Arctic Skua - 1 (dark phase) at Chanonry Point
Great Crested Grebe - 2 still at Loch Insh
Stock Dove - 1 on plough just west of Poyntzfield, Black Isle
Cuckoo - at Sliemore, Nethy Bridge and Dorbac
Sedge Warbler - 1 at Kinellan, Strathpeffer
Hawfinch - 1 in private garden, Newtonhill, Inverness
Late records of a Common Crane at Loch Coulavie, Glen Affric on Saturday and a Nuthatch at Galtrigall, Skye on 23rd
Tuesday 30th April
Thanks to Alister Clunas, Kim Dawson, Ashley Grove, Rob Hughes, Simon Levene, Duncan Macdonald, Peter Mackay, John Poyner, Rob Sheldon, skye-birds.com
Pink Footed Goose - 9 at Kilmaluag, and 13 Golden Plover
Garganey - 1 male at mouth of Castle Stuart Burn, flew off towards Alturlie
Red-breasted Merganser - 16 at The Mound with 4 Shelduck
Sandwich Tern - 7 at Dunrobin with 4 Whimbrel, 1 Black-throated Diver, 80+ Long-tailed Duck, 3 Gannet and 1 Wheatear
Whimbrel - 1 at Loch Fleet, 8 at the head of Loch Portree and singles at Kilmory, Rum and Kilmaluag
Purple Sandpiper - 1 at Kilmory, Rum
Artic Skua - 3 at Chanonry Point
Great Skua - 3 at Loch Mealt, Skye
Whitethroat - 2 at Cadboll Point
Ring Ouzel - 1 at Coire an Dorus, Skye
Grasshopper Warbler - 1 at South end of Loch Insh
Waxwing - 1 at Forsinard
Wood Warbler - 1 at Craigellachie, also a Tree Pipit
Tree Pipit - 1 at Strathdearn
Magpie - 1 in garden in Badicaul, Lochalsh
Jay - 2 at Brahan Estate
Swift - 1 at Ballachulish
Thanks to Alister Clunas, Kim Dawson, Ashley Grove, Rob Hughes, Simon Levene, Duncan Macdonald, Peter Mackay, John Poyner, Rob Sheldon, skye-birds.com
Pink Footed Goose - 9 at Kilmaluag, and 13 Golden Plover
Garganey - 1 male at mouth of Castle Stuart Burn, flew off towards Alturlie
Red-breasted Merganser - 16 at The Mound with 4 Shelduck
Sandwich Tern - 7 at Dunrobin with 4 Whimbrel, 1 Black-throated Diver, 80+ Long-tailed Duck, 3 Gannet and 1 Wheatear
Whimbrel - 1 at Loch Fleet, 8 at the head of Loch Portree and singles at Kilmory, Rum and Kilmaluag
Purple Sandpiper - 1 at Kilmory, Rum
Artic Skua - 3 at Chanonry Point
Great Skua - 3 at Loch Mealt, Skye
Whitethroat - 2 at Cadboll Point
Ring Ouzel - 1 at Coire an Dorus, Skye
Grasshopper Warbler - 1 at South end of Loch Insh
Waxwing - 1 at Forsinard
Wood Warbler - 1 at Craigellachie, also a Tree Pipit
Tree Pipit - 1 at Strathdearn
Magpie - 1 in garden in Badicaul, Lochalsh
Jay - 2 at Brahan Estate
Swift - 1 at Ballachulish
